Automatic spray washing device for cows



y 1965 1'. ALBERS 3,183,890

AUTOMATIC SPRAY WASHING DEVICE FOR COWS Filed Sept. 5, 1961 3 Sheets-Sheet l TEL/N/S .ALBE/QS INVENTOR H6 5y F'ULWIDEFZ, MATTINGLYQ H U NT'LEY ATTORNEYS y 8, 1965 ,T. ALBERS 3,183,890

AUTOMATIC SPRAY WASHING DEVICE FOR COWS Fil ed Sept. 5, 1961 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 I: TEu/v/s ALBE/QS INVENTORY FULWIDEE MATTINGLY & HUNTLEY ATTORN 5Y5 5 Shets-Sheet 3 May 18, 1965 T. ALBERS AUTOMATIC SPRAY WASHING DEVICE FOR COWS Filed Sept. 5, 1961 wmN W QX BY FULWIDE R, MATTINGUM HUNTLEY ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,183,890 AUTOMATIC SPRAY WASHING DEVICE FOR COWS Tennis Albers, 21205 Norwalk Blvd, Artesia, Calif. Filed Sept. 5, 1961, Ser. No. 136,989 1 Claim. (Cl. 119-159) This invention relates generally to cow washing machines and particularly to automatically operating devices for cleansing and brushing a string of cows before milking.

This is a continuation-in-part of my copending application Serial No. 34,025, filed June 6, 1960 for Cow Washing Device, now abandoned.

It is imperative from a sanitary standpoint that cows coming from pasture be cleaned before the milking operation. Various devices including manual hosing have and are being used for removing accumulated filth from cows returning from pasture. All previous devices and manual operations have been unsatisfactory and expensive. Labor costs and the great expense of improperly applied water has rendered obsolete earlier cow washing operations when taken in consideration with applicants economical and practical solution of the problem.

The present invention contemplates that a string of cows coming from pasture will be directed individually through a specially designed automatically operating washing device that will thoroughly soak and cleanse the cows in a sanitary manner prior to the milking operation. Additional mechanism is provided and may be used to scrub and brush down the soaked and rinse cows.

One of the main objects of the invention is to provide mechanism that directs the'string of cows through a washing machine that automatically applies a sudden, swift and complete discharge of water individually over parts of a cows body upon which dirt and filth normally accumulate.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a device that definitely stations individual cows in such position that a water blast from multiple jets cleans filth accumulated parts prior to the milking operation.

Still another object of the invention is to provide multiple water jets about a cow passageway and positioning device, the jets being actuated automatically when the cow walks therethrough.

Yet another object of the invention is in the provision of a tubular water frame having multiple jets directed at parts of a cow that normally collect filth that must be removed before the milking operation.

A further object of the invention lies in an automatically actuated multiple jet water frame that permits controlled and directed passage of a cow therethrough and complete cleansing of filth accumulated parts.

A still further object of the invention is in the provision of an automatically operated cow washing frame and an associated mechanism for automatically scrubbing and brushing the thoroughly soaked cow prior to the milkin g operation.

With the foregoing objects in view, and such other objects and advantages as will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which this invention relates as this specification proceeds, the invention consists essentially in the arrangement and construction of parts all as hereinafter more particularly described, reference being had to the accompanying drawing in which:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view of a first embodiment of a combined automatically operating cow washing and scrubbing device;

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged perspective view partially in section of the multiple jet water frame and cow positioning stall of FIGURE 1;

3,l83,8% Patented May 18, 1965 FIGURE 3 is an perspective enlarged view of the automatic cow scrubbing mechanism of FIGURE 1; and

FIGURE 4 is a perspective view partially in section of a second embodiment of a multiple jet water frame and cow positioning stall.

Referring to FIGURES 1, 2 and 3 of the drawings in which a first embodiment of the invention is shown, a multiple jet water frame is generally referred to as F. It is intended that the frame F completely surround a cow stall generally referred to as S. A Water valve controlled by a conventional electronic eye device is generally referred to as I. The general arrangement of parts permits a string of cows to pass through the stall S and be individually and automatically soaked and cleaned by simultaneous blasts of water from nozzles directed at parts of the cow that normally collect filth. The rapidly applied water washes the cow of accumulated filth. It is contemplated that an electric eye operated scrubbing and brushing device B will be disposed forwardly of the washing frame if additional cleansing is desired or required.

The frame F is composed on either side of identical tubular elements which will be referred to by single numerals. A horizontally disposed pipe or tube 10 has depending legs 12 aud 14 connected thereto by dual elbows 16 and 18, respectively. Elbows 20 and 22 on the lower ends of legs 12 and 14, respectively, provide ground support for the frame F. Dual inwardly projecting water jets or nozzles 24 and 26 on the elbows 20 and 22, respectively, provide means for washing the cows chest, belly, bag and teets.

A four way coupling 28 on the horizontal pipe 10 has a downwardly extending short tube 30. The tube 30 has a nozzle 32 connected thereto by means of an elbow 34. The nozzle 32 is adapted to direct a water spray against the sides of the cow when standing in the stall S. A pair of inwardly directed spray nozzles or jets 36 and 38 are coupled at 40 and 42, respectively, to the pipe 10 adjacent the ends thereof. The nozzles 36 and 38 are directed at the fore and hind quarters of the cow when in the stall S. A vertically extending pipe 44 connected at its lower end to the coupling 28 has an elevated elbow connection 46 with a cross pipe or tube 48. The pipe 48 secures the spaced identical side frame elements heretofore described. An overhead downwardly projecting nozzle 50 coupled at 52 to the cross pipe 48 directs a water spray discharge upon the back of the cow standing in the stall S.

A water inlet pipe 54 connected to any suitable supply has a standard valve .56 connected therewith. A pipe 58 has an elbow 60 and stub pipe 62 connection with the valve 56. An elbow 6'3 and stub pipe 64 provide attachment means for the other end of the pipe 58 with'a coupling 66 in the vertical Water tube or pipe 44.

The stall S is formed by identical side forming or tubular elements which will again be described for abbreviation by single numerals. Spaced parallel disposed stall 2 bars or tubes 68 have outwardly projecting arms 70 and 72 that telescope tubes 74 and 76, respectively.

The tubes 74 and '76 are pivotally connected at '78 and 80, respectively, with bracket clamps 82 and 84, respectively. The bracket clamps are fixedly secured at 86 and 83 to the horizontal pipes 10. The telescoping pipes 70 and '72 and tubes 74 and 76, respectively, are maintained in conventional tensioned relationship by plural standard coil tension springs 99. Means for sustaining the stall bars 68 in lowered or elevated position is provided in chains 92 connected at one end to an eye 94 on the inside of bar 68 and at the other end to a chain notch 96 in a bracket 98 welded to the vertical pipe 44. When the bars 68 are raised for return passage of the cows to pasture, they are sustained in spring latches 100 connected at 132 to the upper ends of the vertical pipes 44. I

Automatically operating conventional electronic eye devices 104 are bracketed at 1% on the opposed horizontal pipes 10. A tube 1418 connects the electronic mechanism 104 to the standard water valve 56.

The operation of the device of FIGURES 1 and 2 is simple. The leading cow of a string returned from pasture for milking walks into the stall S and its head operates the electronic eye mechanism to actuate the water valve 56 and thus permit multiple discharges of water against the cows body. The washing is complete, rapid and a large amount of water is saved by the forward movement of the cow away from the electronic eye.

It is also intended under some circumstances that the cows be brushed and scrubbed following the washing operation. Applicant therefore provides additional mechanism forwardly of the automatic washer through which the string of cows must pass. Spaced conventional electronic eye elements 110 and 112 are attached to vertical rods 114 and 116, respectively, which are supported in base plates 113 and 120, respectively. A brushing and scrubbing device generally referred to as B comprises vertical tubular members 122 and 124 connected at their upper ends by a cross bar 126. The tubular members 122 and 124 are supported in base plates 126 and 128. A pair of tubular arms 130 and 132 are pivotally mounted at 134 and 136, respectively, on the cross bar 126. The forward ends of the arms 13% and 132 carry a horizontally disposed back scrubbing brush 135 on a shaft 136. The rearward extension of the arm 132 has a weighted counterbalance 138 thereon. The rearward extension of the arm 13% has a conventional electric motor 137 attached thereto. A motor shaft 146 within the tubular arm 139 connects the motor 137 with a bevel gear 142 which engages a bevel gear 144 on the end of the shaft 135. A

standard air, water or mechanical operated cylinder 146 is connected to any power means to force the brush 135 downwardly upon the cows back as she passes thereunder.

A pair of horizontally disposed tubular arms 14% and 150 are pivotally supported at 152 and 154, respectively, on the vertical standards 122 and 124, respectively. Conventional electric motors 156 and 158 on the rear ends of the arms 148 and 150, respectively, actuate shafts 161 and 162 which have bevel geared connections 164 and 166 with vertically disposed shafts 168 and 170 supported in gear boxes 172 and 174, respectively. Scrubbing brushes 176 and 178 are attached to the vertical shafts 16S and 170 respectively. Standard air, water or mechanically operated cylinders 18!? and 132 attached to any suitable power means connect the vertical standards 122 and 124 with the horizontal arms 148 and 156, respectively, and urge the scrubbing brushes 176 and 178 against the sides of the cows passing therethrough.

The operation of cow brushing and scrubbing device is simple. After the individual cow has been thoroughly washed, she may pass to the scrubbing device, if such additional-mechanism is desired. The electronic eye actuates the conventional air cylinders and electric motors to rotate the brushes and urge them against the sides and back ofthe cow. The cow is thus scrubbed and partially dried.

Referring to FIGURE 4 of the drawings, it shows a second form or embodiment of the water frame as shown in FIGURES 1 and 2. This embodiment comprises a frame F of similar design and construction to that shown in FIGURES 1 and 2 in that it completely surrounds a cow stall'generally referred to as S. However, in this embodiment there is a water valve controlled by a water proof electric switch which is generally referred to as V. The general arrangement'of parts in the second embodimerit permits a string of cows to pass through the stall S and to be individually and automatically soaked and cleaned as above explained with reference to the first embodiment. It is contemplated that an electric eye operated scrubbing and brushing device as shown in FIG- URE 3 of the drawings may be disposed forwardly of,

the washing frame if additional cleansing is desired or required. Further, as will hereinafter become more readily apparent, it is contemplated within the scope of this invention that electric switch means referred to as W in FIGURE 4 may be substituted for the electric eye operators and 112 of FIGURE 3. It is believed that such modification of the scrubbing and brushing device of FIGURE 3 will be apparent following the description of the water frame F of FIGURE 4. v

The frame F of FIGURE 4 is formed on either side with tubular elements including a horizontally disposed pipe or tube 269 having depending legs 262 and 204. Elbows 2116 and 2&8 at the lower ends of legs 202 and 264, respectively, afford means for supporting the frame F. Water jets or nozzles 219 and 212 are connected to legs 202 and 204 by the respective elbows for providing a washing spray for the underside of the cows.

A four-way coupling 214 is interposed in each of the horizontal pipes 200 for retaining a downwardly extending short pipe or tube 216 and an upwardly extending pipe 218. The lower end of pipe 216 is provided with a nozzle 220 for spraying the side of the cow whereas the upwardly extending pipe 218 is provided with means affording a horizontally disposed pipe 222 connected to a valve 224 in a manner similar to that shown in FIGURES l and 2 of the drawings.

The upwardly extending pipes 218 on either side of frame F are connected by a cross pipe 226 having a downwardly projecting nozzle or jet 228 for spraying the back of a cow standing in the stall S.

At the opposite ends of each of the horizontally disposed pipes or tubes 200 is mounted a nozzle 239' and 232 for spraying the rear and forward quarters of the cow while in the stall as shown in FIGURE 4.

In a manner similar to the above described first embodiment, the second embodiment of FIGURE 4 is provided with a pair of oppositely disposed U-shaped frame members 234 and 236. U-shaped frame member 234 comprises a tube 238 the opposite ends of which telescope over short sections of pipe which are pivotally mounted on horizontal pipe 2110. Additionally, frame member 238 carries a guard as at 240 which acts as a bumper for the cows as they enter stall S. A chain 242 supports the pipe 238 in any desired position, there being a latch 244 fastened to pipe 218 for retaining pipe 238 in retracted position as above explained with reference to the embodiment shown in FIGURE 2 of the drawings.

In similar manner, frame 236 comprises a substantially U-shaped pipe or tube 246 the opposite ends of which may be telescopically fitted over shorter sections of pipe which are pivotally attached to the corresponding pipe 200. Such U-shaped pipe carries a guard member 248 and is held in position by a chain 250. Latch means 252 is operable to retain pipe 246 in its retracted position. 7

Switch means WVis mounted onsuitable bracket means fixed to U-shaped pipe 238 of frame member 234. Such bracket means is shown at 254. Switch W is waterproof in construction, having an actuating lever 256a extending from one end thereof into the stall S. Actuating lever 256w is pivotally mounted in an end wall of switch 256 for toggle movement in any direction thereabout. That is, it is contemplated that switch 256 may be operated by forward movement, downward movement or upward movement of operating lever 256a. Due to this arrangement, regardless of the size or shape of the cow passing through stall S, the switch 256 will be actuated.

Switch 256 is connected to valve 224 by suitable leads 258. Thus as a cow enters the stallS it engages lever 256m of switch 256 to cause the latter to open valve 224 thereby affording the multiple discharges of water against the cows body as hereinbefore explained with reference to the first embodiment of this invention. 7 After the cow has been thoroughly soaked, she proceeds through stall S" whereupon the switch actuating lever 256:: will be returned to its intermediate position as soon as the cows body is moved out of the way. This action of course shuts off valve 224 whereupon the water sprays as above described are turned off. a l

By substituting a switch such as shown at W in FIG- lowered position forces the individual cow into the automatic washer. However, when the cows are returning to pasture, the stall S is raised and latched to form an open gate with the surrounding tubular water frame.

Since various modifications can be made in my invention as hereinabove described, and many apparently widely diiferent embodiments of same made within the spirit and scope of the claim without departing from such spirit and scope, it is intended that all matter contained in the accompanying specification shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense.

I claim:

A cow washing device, comprising:

a tubular frame including portions adapted to convey water and further including mounting means, said frame defining a relatively wide gateway through which more than one cow can pass abreast;

stall bar means carried by said mounting means and pivotable between a raised position out of the way of I cows passing through said gateway and a lowered position to narrow said gateway so that only one cow can pass therethrough abreast;

bias means interposed between said mounting means and said stall bar means and biasing said stall bar means towards said gateway in said lowered position for resilient retraction of said stall bar means to accommodate different size cows;

a plurality of water nozzles coupled to said portions of said frame;

a Water valve operative to supply water under pressure to said portions of said frame;

and switch means coupled to said water valve and located for actuation by a cow passing said stall bar means to operate said valve.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,505,641 8/24 Hendrickson 119-159 1,568,226 1/26 Larson 11983 1,620,013 3/27 Eckerman 119-159 2,524,641 10/50 Suttles 119-159 2,542,280 2/51 Knapp 119--159 2,665,665 1/54 Jones 119159 2,684,658 7/54 Richardson et al 119-159 FOREIGN PATENTS 849,881 9/60 Great Britain.

T. GRAHAM CRAVER, Primary Examiner.

CARL W. ROBINSON, ALDRICH F. MEDBERY,

ARNOLD RUEGG, Examiners. 

